Are Water Candles Safe?

Fun Trend or Fire Hazard? Here’s What You Should Know

Seen those water candle videos floating around Instagram or TikTok lately? They look simple, a bit crafty, and oddly satisfying, just some water, a layer of oil, a floating wick and off you go. A pretty, glowy centrepiece that took less than five minutes to throw together.

But before you pop one on the table at your next dinner party or start posting DIY tutorials, let’s talk about what’s really going on here, especially the stuff most of those viral videos don’t mention.

The Trend: Water Candles Are Everywhere Right Now

People are getting very creative with these. Glass jars filled with coloured water, petals, glitter, even plastic charms, and a little flame dancing on top. They’re being shared as budget-friendly party décor, quick emergency lighting, or just something fun to try on a rainy weekend.

And look, I get the appeal:

• They’re cheap and fast.
• They look good in videos.
• They feel like a clever alternative to traditional candles.

But let’s not pretend they’re without issues. Some of the risks are real, and most aren’t obvious until you’re dealing with a cracked glass, a weird smell, or worse… a minor explosion of hot wax across your benchtop.

The Reality: Here’s What You’re Not Seeing

I’m not here to ruin anyone’s fun, but I am here to give you the info you’re probably not getting from your average DIY post. So if you’re going to try water candles, or are just curious, here’s what you should actually know.

1. Water and Wax Don’t Play Nice

This is a big one. If you accidentally let water mix with wax, especially hot wax, it can sputter, spit, and even explode. That’s not me being dramatic, it’s basic science. Water turns to steam under the surface and sends wax flying. Cue burns, a ruined tablecloth, and a good dose of regret.

Even small amounts of water getting into wax can cause uneven burning and a weak scent throw. Not ideal if you’re aiming for a mood.

2. Floating Wicks = Wobbly Fire Hazards

In a proper candle, the wick is secured to the bottom of the jar. It burns from the middle out, evenly and safely. In a water candle, the wick’s just floating on a bit of plastic or cork. That means it can drift, tip, or slide toward the side of the glass.

And if the flame gets too close to the edge? You’re risking heat stress on the glass, and yes, it can shatter. Especially if you’re using regular jars or glasses not made for high temps. A cracked wine glass with a lit wick in it is not the vibe.

3. Still Water = Mouldy Mess

It’s not just fire risk. Leave water sitting around long enough, especially with flowers, herbs, fruit or glitter, and it can go gross. We’re talking slime, smells, and mould spores. Not the sensory experience anyone’s after.

This gets worse if you keep topping up the oil or lighting the candle over several days. That beautiful “nature-inspired” centrepiece? You’ll be binning it within the week unless you’re scrubbing it out constantly.

4. Plastic and Resin Don’t Belong Near Flames

A lot of DIY versions use plastic or resin to hold the wick. These are not designed to withstand heat. Some melt, some warp, and some release harmful fumes if they get too hot. Even if you don’t smell it straight away, breathing in anything that’s been partially melted or scorched over time? Not great.

Especially in a closed room or around pets and kids.

5. It’s Not a Shortcut to Real Candle Making

Look, I’m biased, I make candles for a living. But that also means I’ve spent a long time learning the safe way to do it. Proper candle making involves knowing how to anchor wicks, test vessels, work with wax temperatures, and avoid dangerous combinations.

Water candles might look like a cool hack, but they’re not a beginner-friendly shortcut. If you’re just getting into candles, start with something safer and more reliable, or skip the DIY altogether and support someone who’s done the testing (ahem).

Want to Try It Anyway? Here’s How to Keep It Safer:

If you’re still curious, I won’t stop you, but please do it with care:

• Only use heatproof glassware (not drinking glasses or thin-walled jars).
• Don’t leave it unattended. Ever!
• Don’t use anything plastic or resin near the flame.
• Keep decorations well away from the wick.
• Watch where the wick floats and make sure it can’t drift to the edge.
• Change the water often and clean everything between uses.

Or… here’s a better idea: use proper floating candles. They’re made to do what these DIYs are mimicking, and they’re way safer (and prettier when done well) for events and dinner parties.

Final Thought: Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

Water candles look cool in a 10-second reel. But they’re not a replacement for a well-made candle. If it’s the glow and calm vibe you’re after, skip the shortcuts and go for something that’s been made with care, tested for safety, and doesn’t smell like burnt plastic after ten minutes.

I know a good place to start. (Hint: you’re already here.)

 

Hey, while you’re here, you might also enjoy this post: https://spiritedflame.com/are-scented-candles-bad-for-you/